Category Archives: Racing

Competitions, Dressage, Racing, Show Jumping

Top Events This Winter Beginning with the London International Horse Show at Olympia

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The anticipation for this year’s winter horse show competition and horse racing is tremendous with some of the top riders in Show Jumping and Dressage scheduled to compete this month. December begins with the annual international horse show at Olympia. The Shetland Pony Grand National holds all the excitement of the horse race on a miniature scale! Shetland Ponies and their riders race around the arena at a fast and furious pace – it really is one of the highlights of Olympia. Horse racing and betting enthusiasts can check scheduling and horse racing odds at 888sport Horse racing betting.

The most competitive Show Jumping competition since the Olympics will be taking place in Olympia this week with gold medallists from England, France and Germany competing in what will be one of the most talented and exciting international shows in recent memory. The Frankfort Festhalle will also be taking place this month from December 15-18. Of the top 30 riders, 17 will be competing in Mechelen from December 26-30.

Community/Charity, Racing

Fans Invited to Join Charismatic’s “Inner Circle”

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Charismatic wins the Derby! (Photo by Barbara Livingston)

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 21, 2016 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is inviting fans to become a member of Kentucky Derby winner Charismatic’s “Inner Circle”.

On October 26, Old Friends announced that the dual-classic winner and 1999 Horse of the Year would be returning to the United States from Japan, where he has stood as a stallion since 2002.

Old Friends is launching a “Certificate” campaign to support Charismatic’s overseas journey. The lion share of his trip is being sponsored by his former owners through the Robert & Beverly Lewis Family Foundation, and also by the Austin, TX-based vodka brand, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. But additional funds are still needed.

“In 2015 we launched a certificate campaign for the return of Derby winner War Emblem, and it was a great success,” said Old Friends President Michael Blowen. “Since announcing the news about Charismatic we have received so many calls and requests about doing it again — so the certificates are back by popular demand,” Blowen added.”

Fans who donate $199.90 — a nod to Charismatic’s 1999 Derby win — will earn a limited-edition share certificate featuring a four-color photo by Eclipse-Award winning photographer Barbara Livingston and a personal signature from Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who campaigned Charismatic throughout his career.

Certificate holders will be also invited to a private meet-and-greet reception at Old Friends to be held in April of 2017 (exact date to be announced by January).

Only 300 certificates will be produced.

Charismatic, a one-time claimer, captured the hearts of racing fans when he miraculously won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness stakes against all odds. He found himself on the threshold of becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner when near-tragedy struck during the Belmont Stakes.

In that race, Charismatic surged before record crowd of over 85,000, but then he dropped back and was passed by eventual winner Lemon Drop Kid. As Charismatic crossed the finish line in third place, he was quickly pulled up having suffered multiple fractures in his left front leg.

In a very memorable moment, his jockey, the late Chris Antley, jumped off and held the colt’s leg off the ground until help arrived, thus avoiding more serious damage.  As Daily Racing Form’s Jay Hovdey noted at the time: “The Triple Crown was lost, but Charismatic was saved.”

The injuries, while not life threatening, did end his racing career. But Charismatic earned that year’s Eclipse Award as Champion 3-year-old colt as well as Horse of the Year honors, and retired with five wins from 17 starts and earnings of $2,038,064.

The now 20-year-old stallion will return to the United States in early December (arrival date to be announced) and will be pensioned at Old Friends. This marks the third Kentucky Derby Champion to be repatriated from Japan by Old Friends. In 2014 the farm welcomed 1997 winner Silver Charm and the following year 2002 winner War Emblem.

You can order a Charismatic certificate by calling Old Friends at (502) 863-1775 and using a credit card.  Or you may mail in an order by sending a check or money order for $199.90 to Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY., 40324. Please include your name, address, and phone number.

Certificates are expected to be mailed by late December.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 165 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Racing, Racing Sources

AQHA Racing Rule Changes

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American Quarter Horse Association, November 7, 2016 – The American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee recently held its quarterly business meeting at AQHA Headquarters in Amarillo. During the meeting, several issues were discussed, evaluated and decisions were made to enhance the Association, including issues regarding racing.

Media/Award Policy
If a racing jurisdiction reports that a horse tested positive for a Class 1 substance, Class 2 substance, clenbuterol or any other medication other than those defined by Association of Racing Commissioners International as being a controlled therapeutic medication, such horse shall be ineligible to be considered for AQHA awards or online polls associated with the calendar year in which the positive test occurred. This will include pending violations.

This policy is effective immediately.

Challenge Membership Requirement
Beginning January 1, 2017, an AQHA membership is required for all owners and trainers participating in any AQHA Racing Challenge race.

2017 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations
The 2017 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is now available online in PDF format, in print and via the AQHA Rulebook App. AQHA members can download the rulebook or request a printed copy at www.aqha.com/rulebook.

For more information on American Quarter Horse Racing, visit www.aqha.com/racing.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104

Racing, Racing Sources

Plenty Left to Play For in 2016 Racing

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Despite just a few months remaining of what has already been an exhilarating year in the world of horse racing, a number of high profile races are yet to take place, with iconic events on either side of the Atlantic set to have punters meticulously deliberating over the horse racing odds among bookmakers. Starting off this weekend, the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot kicks off the chasing season in style, while the upcoming Breeders’ Cup and King George VI Chase are certain to bring the curtain down on this year’s action with a bang.

Nick Williams-trained Tea For Two is currently leading the way in the horse racing odds at bookmakers Betway for the Sodexo Gold Cup. After winning on two of his three starts in novices last season, impressive performances in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton, as well as the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase, have led to good to firm going odds for the seven-year-old. Competition for Tea For Two is most likely to come in the shape of Paul Nicholls’ Saphir du Rheu and Southfield Theatre, both of whom are given odds of 7/1 going into the weekend. Paul Nicholls will be heading to Ascot this weekend in the hope of finally claiming victory in one of the only high profile events in which he is yet to win.

Meanwhile, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, California Chrome heads a field of 14 horses, with Arrogate, Effinex and Nyquist all in contention for the race on November 6. The 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner is undoubtedly the favourite in the build up to the famous race, with Betway offering horse racing odds of just 2/1 for the Art Sherman-trained five-year-old. A total of 185 entries have been put forward for events at Santa Anita, the fact that the Breeders’ Cup Classic has seen an increase in prize money to $6 million is only likely to increase the attention placed upon the meeting. The Breeders’ Cup Mile, Sprint and Juvenile are all likely to be as competitive as ever, with thousands of punters heading to California for the festivities.

Finally, the King George VI on Boxing Day at Kempton is set to provide horse racing enthusiasts with a final chance of the year to back their favourites, with the Willie Mullins trained Vautour currently out in front in the horse racing odds from Betway. The likes of Cue Card and Douvan are certain not to make things easy for the 2016 Ryanair Chase winner, however.

Awards, Racing, Racing Sources

Dashin Brown Streak Named Supreme Race Horse

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American Quarter Horse Association, October 24, 2016 – Dashin Brown Streak has been named an AQHA Supreme Race Horse.

The Supreme Race Horse award recognizes a racing American Quarter Horse who during its career earns $500,000 or more, wins two or more open Grade 1 stakes races and at least 10 races.

Dashin Brown Streak is a 2010 gelded son of Hotdoggin out of the Streakin La Jolla mare Annas Streakin Dash. He was bred by Flat Get It Farms Inc. of Villa Rica, Georgia and is owned by the estates of C. W. Navarre and Melvin Hatley, based in Oklahoma City.

Dashin Brown Streak has started 23 times in his five-year career, with 11 wins, four seconds and three thirds, and earnings of $543,631. His Grade 1 victories include the 2015 Leo Stakes and the 2015 Remington Park Invitational Championship.

Earlier this year, he was second in the Leo Stakes (G1).

He becomes the 37th horse since 2002 and the 108th horse in total to earn the award (the other awards were given retroactively). Dashin Brown Streak will also be honored at the 2017 Racing Champions Ceremony on January 18 in Oklahoma City.

For more information on American Quarter Horse racing, visit www.aqharacing.com.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104

Racing

Eclipse Champion Hidden Lake Euthanized at 23

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Photo by Peggy Maness.

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 – Eclipse Champion and multiple grade-one winner Hidden Lake has died. The 23-year-old daughter of Quiet American was euthanized at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, where she had been pensioned since 2009.

Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of her passing this afternoon and attributed her death to infirmities of old age.

Owned and campaigned by Robert N. Clay and Tracy Farmer for three seasons, Hidden Lake (Quiet American – Friendly Circle, Round Table) broke her maiden at Del Mar as a 2-year-old and was stakes placed throughout her 3-year-old year.

But it was during her 4-year-old season, after moving to the East Coast, that the mare truly made her mark. In 1997 Hidden Lake captured four graded stakes, three of them Grade 1s, including the Hempstead Handicap at Belmont and the spectacular Go for Wand at Saratoga, a formidable performance after which she nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion.

At the time her jockey, Richard Migliore, summed up her greatness of spirit: In the Go for Wand “she reached down and found something that wasn’t there. That’s what champions do.” He has called her victory one of his most memorable career wins.

Hidden Lake came back strong three months later to win The GR1 Beldame and was also a contender in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff where she finished 7th. Following her banner season Hidden Lake received the Eclipse Award as Champion Older Mare and retired shortly thereafter with 22 starts, seven wins, and career earnings of $947,489.

She did become a broodmare but had increasing difficulty carrying foals to terms. In 2009 then-owner Robert S. Evans donated Hidden Lake to Old Friends.

“Hidden Lake defined bravery, determination, and courage,” said Old Friends board member Barbara Fossum, who cared for the mare regularly at the farm. “She was dignified and generous to those who loved her – demanding and all heart,” she added. “She personified everything an Eclipse Champion should be.”

“Hidden Lake was all class,” said Blowen, “especially at the end. Her courage and fortitude were unmatched while on the track and off.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

When Racing Goes to the Games: 3 Great Horse Racing Slot Machines

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Horse racing is not a thing to be taken lightly. What people see – minutes of galloping on the track – is the result of a combination of breeding and hard work, both for the horse and the trainer. But horse racing has a playful side, too – the anticipation of the race, the bets, and the excitement of the win. This playful side is the one that the games below are focusing on, bringing the world of the racetrack one step closer to the player.

Sure Win

Sure Win is a five-reel, three-row, 25 win line video slot machine you can try at https://www.europalace.com/aus/. It focuses on the playful side of horse racing, with three horses, three jockeys, and several other racing-related symbols on its reels. With all its smiling (or even evil) faces, the Sure Win slot machine perfectly reflects the playfulness of the Euro Palace Casino – it’s a place with an amazing entertainment variety and some big wins for its players. And when it comes to big wins, Sure Win is not an exception: it’s one of the highest paying non-progressive slot machines at the Euro Palace, with a maximum win worth 560,000 coins attached to it. With a coin size of 25 cents, it can be quite a payday.

Lucky Horse

Lucky Horse is not your usual video slot machine. For one, it has six reels instead of the standard five, which gives it the possibility to offer way more win lines – 466 of them. Instead of focusing on the racers themselves – the jockeys and the horses – Lucky Horse takes its players among those owning and watching them race. Lucky Horse also features Horizontal Expanding Wilds, which creates lots of big and exciting combinations! Lucky Horse. A horse worth betting on… 4 by 6 reels. 466 pay lines. And it has quite a few Special Features, too, like Stacked Wilds, Connected Lines, and Horizontal Expanding Wilds.

Available on social networks, and as a native app on all major smartphone platforms, Lucky Horse is one of the most special horse racing inspired slot machines.

Derby Dollars

Derby Dollars is a slot machine that combines the best of the two games above. On one hand, it’s available for free play and real play alike, on the other it has plenty of bonus features, jackpots, and tons of racing fun for its players. With its retro visuals and sounds, the game almost makes its players feel like being in a Las Vegas casino back in the 1920s. It’s a fun way to spend some time between two races – although the game doesn’t run on mobile devices.

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

John Ferguson Discusses His Cheltenham Festival Runners With Emma Spencer

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Newmarket handler John Ferguson is hoping to end his training career with a bang at the Cheltenham Festival, and feels he has a good chance of doing so with Champion Bumper contender High Ridge.

Ferguson is leaving the training ranks next month to become chief executive at Godolphin, for whom he has had a long association as a bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed.

But before concentrating full time on his new position with the Boys in Blue, Ferguson is sending a strong team to Cheltenham in the hope of landing his first Festival winner, and he told 888sport racing ambassador Emma Spencer he has particularly high hopes for two-time winner High Bridge. Read More of Emma Spencer’s Blog

 

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Celebrate “Old Friends Day” at Belterra Park Gaming on September 5

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Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champion War Emblem is just one of the equine retirees at Old Friends (photo Rick Capone).

GEORGETOWN, KY – AUGUST 29, 2016 – Monday, September 5th, is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park Gaming in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Fans can bid in a silent auction of unique items, as well as meet Old Friends founder Michael Blowen.

The auction will take place on the outdoor terrace overlooking the track. It will start at 1:30 pm and conclude at 4:00 pm.

Among the items up for auction are a set of Old Friends commemorative glasses, posters for such champions as American Pharoah and Zenyatta, decorative horse items, collectible ball caps, artwork, and jewelry.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the organization’s 165 retirees, and star attractions include  Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, 2002 Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, and Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion Alphabet Soup.

The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park Gaming, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. Post time for the first race is 1:30 pm.

Belterra Park’s 2016 racing season includes over 90 race days and is home to Ohio’s only turf race track. The River Downs Club features simulcast Thoroughbred racing.

For more information, contact Belterra at (513) 232-8000.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Racing

Here Comes the 2016 Secretariat Festival

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2016 Secretariat Festival in Paris, KY – Sept. 16-18

Here comes the Festival! The 2016 Bourbon County Secretariat Festival moves to downtown Paris this year along historic Main Street. From the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 16 until Saturday night, Sept. 17, Main Street will be closed to thru-traffic to accommodate this horse-lover’s dream destination filled with civic pride and small-town charm. The Secretariat Festival Headquarters will be located in the heart of downtown Paris at Oasis Event Hall at 610 Main St. The convenient location is your one-stop shop featuring the Secretariat.com Store and official Festival merchandise, and hosts all celebrity signings throughout the weekend as well as the Secretariat Archive Silent Auction featuring a wide assortment of racing memorabilia.

Secretariat Festival information regarding directions, parking and accommodations is now posted on the 2016 Festival Schedule of Events Page which will be updated regularly, providing your resource for three days of Big Red cheer. And don’t forget to follow the Secretariat Festival as well as Secretariat.com on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, announcements and news. Get ready for a fun-filled super-horse weekend in scenic Paris.

Click Here for Secretariat Festival Information

Celebrity Autograph Signings and Legends Tributes – Sept. 17
The Secretariat Festival always hosts plenty of racing luminaries, and this year is shaping up to be among the best. Several members of the Meadow Stable team are already confirmed including jockey Ron Turcotte, exercise rider Charlie Davis, author and journalist Bill Nack and special guest Richard Laurin, grandson of Secretariat’s Hall of fame trainer Lucien Laurin.

New to the festival this year will be the attendance of equine royalty. Festival-goers can meet Secretariat descendant and beloved two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan and his trainer Charles Lopresti as part of our Legends Tribute line-up. Legends Tributes will also honor Secretariat’s talented rival Sham and enjoy insight from Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr., and Sham: Great Was Second Best book author Phil Dandrea, who joins the action. And of course Kentucky Derby winning jockeys will be well represented including Jean Cruguet, Pat Day, Mike Manganello, and Jacinto Vasquez. Come meet them all during this big weekend celebration.

Secretariat Festival Special Events
Secretariat Festival events come in many shapes and sizes this year. In addition to all the free activities including Friday’s Paris Artwalk and Barrel Mane-ia auction party, this year we are proud to announce the Blanton’s Bourbon tasting and Bill Nack Storytelling.

This new Saturday, Sept. 17, evening premier ticketed event at the posh Bour-bon Restaurant features a bourbon connoisseur’s dream sampling of Blanton’s original single-barrel bourbon, delicious Bluegrass-inspired cuisine and a double helping of horse talk provided by Bill Nack and Richard Laurin and their unique insider perspectives to Secretariat’s life and legacy.

And don’t forget the various Farm Tours to Claiborne Farm and Adena Springs departing from downtown on Saturday and Darley Stud/Old Friends and Coolmore America Ashford Stud departing from the Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday. Space is quickly filling up; make your reservations now!

Secretariat Festival Sights & Sounds
Secretariat Festival events and free activities come in many shapes, sizes and sounds this year. In addition to Friday’s Paris Artwalk and Barrel Mane-ia auction party, more family fun will be on hand with the Saturday afternoon Festival Parade showcasing the Paris community at its Main Street epicenter, featuring marching bands, dancers, floats, vintage autos, and a variety of equine breeds and entertainment. And parade-viewers are invited to get in on the fun, dressing in 1970s apparel or as a Meadow Stable look-alike with prizes awarded for the best Penny and other members of the Secretariat team.

The 2016 Secretariat Festival also offers several new sights this year including the Barrel Head Craftsmen Furnishing Gallery featuring a unique assortment of decorative furnishings created from authentic oak whiskey barrels and the “Twice the Heart” AngioScreenings presented by Bourbon Community Hospital to ensure your heart healthiness.

Introducing the Secretariat Big Red Beer Garden
Another new addition to the Festival is the Big Red Beer Garden featuring Secretariat Festival Big Red Amber Ale. Created specifically for the Festival and brewed and bottled by Paris’ own craft brewery Rooster Brew, this big flavored Bluegrass-born beer pays tribute to Secretariat and his larger-than-life legacy.

Offered in a limited batch on tap and in a certain-to-be collectible bottle for drinking or displaying, beer-loving Secretariat fans will not want to miss the opportunity to raise a toast to the chestnut champ and enjoy this libation stop on the Festival trail!

Make your plans now to be a part of this fabulous Festival and all its revelry in the heart of horse country…

Thank you for your support and keep the Big Red flame burning!

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204